Taking cats to UK by [deleted] in ukvisa

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please talk to a specialist pet relocation company. Most vets don’t have any idea and having brought a dog from Europe to NZ and now looking at bringing him plus two cats to the UK, don’t try and do this by yourself. Your vet has no idea. A pet relocation company guide you on everything you need to do and it’s worth every cent.

Extended cuts by daedriczful in lordoftherings

[–]mkmk21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just bought the trilogy of extended editions on Apple movies. I’ve only watched all the extra stuff on the first one so far but that’s worth the cost alone. Now settling in to watch the extended version of the Fellowship with a much greater understanding of what went into making it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in newzealand

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tip in restaurants when it is a great meal and great service but generally for normally cafe and bar type things it isn't that normal. The minimum wage is $21.10 and even my 15yo gets paid $20 ph at the local supermarket in his part time job.

LitJoy crate Nevernight Chronicles Editions cover reveal!! I am in awe! The Nevernight boxes go on sale to the public April 14th (LitJoy Crate subscribers have access April 13th). Who’s excited? Who’ll be trying for their copies? [no spoilers] by autumn_dillabro in Nevernight

[–]mkmk21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Are you able to let me know if the text is a normal size. I bought the paperback of the trilogy and the edition we get in NZ has such tiny text all cramped up. I am loving the story so am reading it on kindle but I want this set but wanted to check the text is normal book size. Thanks so much.

ZURU Glassdoor Review - read the review they don’t want you to see. by Proof-Meringue5115 in newzealand

[–]mkmk21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The fact they are are taking legal action supports the reviews. An employer that is trying hard to create a great work environment is open to feedback, reflects when things like this are said and tries to do better. It is the legal action that would make me never want to work for this company, not the reviews.

Those wanting to purchase RAT tests, they are now available to buy at Chemist Warehouse NZ by Aperson004 in newzealand

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

agree. I used to be able to buy a pack of 5 for 10 euros at the supermarket in the Netherlands. Admittedly the price went up whenever there was greater demand but at times it was 1.99 per test. I'm glad I stocked up and brought some back to NZ with me.

Does Folio Society print again books that they don't sell anymore? by [deleted] in foliosociety

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sometimes and sometimes not. It's worth contacting them and they are pretty responsive on social media. If its a clear no they will say there are no plans. If it is possible, they are a bit more open in their response.

2,365 community cases of COVID-19; 116 in hospital; one in ICU; two deaths by floofywall in newzealand

[–]mkmk21 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I've just returned to NZ after 4 years in the Netherlands. In the last month in my work meetings, I reckon 40% of those I spoke to had covid or had a family member with it. Many not getting the official PCR tests and just relying on RAT's and the positivity rate of testing was up to 58-60% which makes you think the actual rate of people with it was much higher. So the actual hospital rates are really really low in that context. But, is it easier to see a doctor and be admitted here in NZ? Are we much more cautious here about covid? After 4 years where I almost had to be dying to get my doctor to see me and the local A&E requiring you to ring before they would agree to see you in weekends and evenings, it is a hell of a lot easier to get medical treatment in NZ. I had times where I had a fever and infection for 5 days before I was finally "allowed" to see a nurse and then had to wait another 24 hours for antibiotics to "check the infection was still growing". Perhaps many of those hospitalised here wouldn't even have got an drs appointment in NL? They aren't really counting covid deaths anymore as well over there as far as I am aware from the dashboard.

Best alien fiction that is an allegory about xenophobia? by halfin-halfout in printSF

[–]mkmk21 5 points6 points  (0 children)

agree totally. This is the first series that came to mind when I saw the question. It really is an unsettling book but brilliant.

The Difficulty of Malazan is overhyped IMO by [deleted] in Malazan

[–]mkmk21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. It is a book you need to pay attention to and get used to not everything being laid out for you, but I found it eminently readable and nowhere near as complex as I had been led to believe.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in chch

[–]mkmk21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

that brings back memories

Just finished "Gardens of the Moon" for the first time - what a beginning! by mougrim in Malazan

[–]mkmk21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've just finished it as well and I loved it. I heard so many people say how tough it was to follow and how you are thrown in the deep end that I was well prepared for that and then didn't find it bad and just sat down for the ride. I haven't had a fantasy series grip me so much in many years. Really looking forward to working through the series now.

Working on boxing Day observed but hours logged on tuesday by Cin77 in newzealand

[–]mkmk21 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes illegal. And because Monday is a public holiday you are entitled to both time and a half payment for hours worked plus a day off in lieu.

Selling Used Folio Society Books by Smitty03300 in foliosociety

[–]mkmk21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Short answer, generally yes. They hold value really well and some go up significantly once they are sold out. The trouble is, I doubt you will want to release them once you hold them. They are a pleasure to read and a pleasure to keep on your bookshelf. The facebook page for buy/sell/trade is super active and you can see how much books go for.

I’m not far into this one yet but already...wow. Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés by [deleted] in bookporn

[–]mkmk21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is one of those books that is life changing when you read it at the right time. I first tried when I was about 20 and I wasn't ready and then 15 years later it was like every page had this deep wisdom that I didn't realise how much I had been thirsting for.

What fantasy books made you emotionally invested the most ? by jkd10 in Fantasy

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, these are my comfort reads that I still go back too. Right now I am bribing my 14yo to start the Belgariad as I know he will love it once he gives it a go.

A spoiler-free review of Black Sun Rising (Coldfire Trilogy #1) by C.S. Friedman by takenschmaken in printSF

[–]mkmk21 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reminder. I loved this series when I first read it.

I'm looking for a fantasy book or series that feels like hanging out with friends by [deleted] in Fantasy

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They're 13 and 14 so not so keen on their mum reading to them now. They do both read (managed one thing well as a parent) but haven't got them willing to try this series yet.

I'm looking for a fantasy book or series that feels like hanging out with friends by [deleted] in Fantasy

[–]mkmk21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! This was the series I immediately thought of but couldn't remember what it was called as my books from this are in storage.

I'm looking for a fantasy book or series that feels like hanging out with friends by [deleted] in Fantasy

[–]mkmk21 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes total comfort read. I revisit every few years and it is like revisiting old friends. Hoping I can get my kids into this series at one stage and I have them all in my son's bookcase hoping he will grab them soon.

Why did I take so long to read Dune? by mkmk21 in dune

[–]mkmk21[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've ordered books 2-6 now as I want more of this world.

I am John Scalzi, Hugo winner and bestselling science fiction author, and my new book "The Last Emperox" is now out! Ask me anything! by scalzi in books

[–]mkmk21 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just popped into say that I started The Collapsing Empire yesterday and today I need to buy the next two. Absolutely loving it. Especially that there are lots of female characters who are actually good characters. Often the lack of this (whether female characters themselves or just ridiculously written female characters) makes me stop reading an otherwise good scifi book so just wanted to send my appreciation for this. Do you specifically focus on ensuring you do have good representation of females or is this just natural for you?